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Top 10 places to visit in Tuscany

What to see in Tuscany, Italy? If you are in search of sights and things to see in Tuscany while planning a holiday in one of the most beautiful and varied Italian regions, do not miss our insider tips! After careful evaluation of the incredible historical, cultural and natural heritage of this area, we at toscanainside.com are pleased to introduce our personal selection of the top 10 places to visit in Tuscany, Italy to discover the true soul of this beloved destination.

As a popular destination for tourism, Tuscany is well known for its small villages, nature, food and wine culture and the beautiful Renaissance cities. As you choose, the best spots to visit in Tuscany and the cities to visit, let yourself be guided by postcard landscapes like the famous stretches of sunflowers or the lonely hills framed by a few rows of cypresses. No matter whether you are looking for an unusual Tuscany or tourist areas, you are 20 rather than 60, we are sure that this small selection of "the top ten places to visit in Tuscany" will satisfy everyone without leaving anything to chance.

What to see in Tuscany, Italy: where to go? With our tips you will be sure not to miss the most interesting places to visit in Tuscany!

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1Florence

It is renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the capital that a region like Tuscany deserves. Multifaceted, it is the number one among the things to see in Tuscany: it enchants lovers of art, fashion and nightlife and those who are looking for authentic glimpses such as the district of Sant'Ambrogio or Borgo San Frediano. The symbol of Florence, David, is perhaps the main attraction. Other milestones include the Cathedral and the Tower of Giotto, Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi museum; maybe for lunch enjoy a tripe sandwich, the typical delicacy sold throughout the city, for example in the Market of St. Lorenzo and in the evening savour a glass of Chianti wine in Santo Spirito. For a breath-taking view treat yourself to a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the best places in Tuscany to enjoy the sunset. Enjoy an evening walk through the streets around the cathedral for the night life together with university students, Florence inhabitants and the myriad of tourists from around the world who come here to admire its extreme beauty. Discover more...

2Pisa

Famous for its Leaning Tower, Pisa is a city on a human scale, a lively university town and a cultural destination not to be missed; walk through Borgo Stretto dodging bicycles, make a detour to Piazza dei Cavalieri without forgetting the Middle Bridge, which connects the two sides of the city, and from which you can admire the riversides, which, according to Leopardi, "is a sight so beautiful so large, so magnificent, so gay, so pleasant that it makes you fall in love: I have not seen anything like it either in Florence or Milan, nor in Rome, and really I do not know if in all of Europe there are views of this beauty". Among the buildings that make the riversides so popular, we suggest the Blue Palace, the museum that hosts annual exhibitions of famous artists; if you prefer, you can enjoy the challenge of the maze that lines both sides of the Arno, arriving until the murals by American artist Keith Haring, the symbol of a city on the move. Discover more...

3The island of Elba

Only a couple of hours from the mainland, the island is one of the recommended places to visit in Tuscany: it is one of the guardians of the Tuscan sea and part of the National Park of the Tuscan Islands, which among others also includes the Giglio Island. Elba is famous for its beaches, and offers a wide variety of diving. For lovers of trekking, Tuscany offers several routes such as the one reaching Mount Capanne - the highest in the Livorno region - and an incredible network of cycle paths. The Island of Elba is also famous for having hosted several historical figures. Among others, we must mention Napoleon Bonaparte! There are numerous testimonies of his passage, and there are attractions open to visitors, including for example the building of the Mills in Portoferraio. Discover more...

4Siena

Though the infamous Palio is held twice a year, the streets of Siena breathes the perpetual spirit which induces the Siena inhabitants to keep this tradition so alive. Admiring the Public Palace and Torre del Mangia and sitting in Piazza del Campo make your imagination vivid and project it into the crowd to cheer for the district of the caterpillar rather than that of the goose. Not forgetting San Gimignano and Volterra - two resort towns not far from Siena are amongst the things to see in Tuscany. The sight of the 14 towers in San Gimignagno has earned this town a reputation as being one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Tuscany. The Etruscan Volterra has enjoyed a deserving prestige due to its location as well as its beauty. The historic centre is an outdoor museum that includes testimonies of various kinds: in addition to the aforementioned Etruscan population, even the Romans left their testimony such as the theatre and the ancient forum; other influences can be traced back to medieval and Renaissance eras such as the Palazzo dei Priori, or the Miucci-Solaini and Incontri-Viti palaces. Discover more...

5Gulf of Baratti

The Gulf of Baratti houses the archaeological park of Populonia; a perfect marriage between history and nature, it is very well known for its beautiful coastline and the archaeological remains present on the ends that mark the boundaries, i.e. Baratti and Populonia. Both inside the archaeological park of Baratti (one of the largest parks in the Val di Cornia) and in Populonia you can visit the burial mounds of Etruscan origin, as well as Roman and medieval remains. Other things to see in Tuscany and the province of Livorno include a stop in Bolgheri. In this village you will experience the typical ambience that all visitors expect to find when you immerse yourself in Tuscany. Here you can taste typical produces, an activity undoubtedly to be included among the top 10 best things to do in Tuscany; Bolgheri, a hamlet of Castagneto Carducci, is situated on a hill from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view. The same applies to Campiglia Marittima where, if you're lucky, on a clear day you can also see the island of Elba.

6Livorno

Livorno, a city overlooking the sea, that is still little known, maybe because it has hardly been touched by tourism, we mention it amongst the top 10 things to see in Tuscany and top destinations in Tuscany; do not be discouraged if you wish to visit the Tuscan city, its inhabitants are convivial and always looking for good company while you taste the typical fish soup, or other seafood specialties. Walk through the quaint Venice district, which lends its name to the eponymous festival held every summer, and be enchanted by a sunset over the sea, strolling along the Mascagni terrace. But above all do not limit yourself to the centre: take a dip in the crystal waters of the numerous coves south of the city, such as Cala Leone and Cala Violina, the latter more suitable for those who love the rocks, and savour moments of relaxation and relief from the summer heat or from cold winds in winter. Discover more...

7Garfagnana and Abetone

For lovers of the mountains and the environment, the top ten places to visit in Tuscany, Italy should include Garfagnana and Abetone, respectively little distant from Lucca and Pistoia. Positioned between the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, Garfagnana is unmatched for the richness of its forests and villages perched on the mountains, such as Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Borgo a Mozzano with its Devil's Bridge and Vagli, developed on the banks of a small but spectacular lake. Abetone is a vast and well-equipped ski destination, on the border with Emilia Romagna, and is also crossed by the Via Fancigena, the pilgrimage road that connected Rome with Santiago de Compostela, that fans of walking undoubtedly know. The continuous passage of people from different cultures very dissimilar from one another has meant that the Via Francigena is still a treasure chest full of surprises, not only natural but also cultural. Discover more...

8Val d'Orcia

Located between Siena and Grosseto, some say that two eyes would not be enough to admire it and one mouth to taste the products of its land; it is home to villages such as Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano, areas to visit in Tuscany where you can taste delicious Tuscan food and good wine such as pici, salami of Cinta Senese, pecorino cheese and the Brunello di Montalcino. Enjoy the relaxed nature that makes the valley unique and do not miss the many festivals in the area, not only for the food and wine heritage but especially for the liveliness of the participants and organizers that will make your presence in these "social events" unforgettable. Discover more...

9Grosseto Maremma

Grosseto Maremma is located on the border with Lazio and is home to the first natural park of Tuscany. This area also boasts Mount Amiata, now an extinct volcano, and on which there are prehistoric traces in the Cave of the archer. Although we have already suggested various panoramic viewpoints, that of Monte Amiata offers the chance to admire the broader landscape of central Italy; on favourable days you can see the Tuscan Apennines, and those of Lazio and Marche, the Gran Sasso, the city of Grosseto, Siena and its many points of interests, Arezzo and a good part of the Tuscan archipelago and Corsica. After the Monte Amiata you can immerse yourself even more in the nature and explore the Accesa lake or enjoy a relaxing time in Saturnia, one of the oldest spas in Tuscany. Other places not to miss in Tuscany include the spa towns such as Chianciano Terme and Casciano terme, in the province of Siena, and San Giuliano terme. Discover more...

10Casentino

If you go to the province of Arezzo, another famous place to visit in Tuscany that includes the small town of Cortona as well as Poppi two of the most beautiful villages of Italy. The castles, towers and fortifications in this region are outstanding and from these central locations you will admire the valley in all its beauty. Amongst those best preserved, include the castle of Poppi and the castle of Romena. Discover more...